Buddha’s Birth Celebration and “Qi Gong” Exercises at Yuan Thong Temple

The Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and contribution of Buddhism’s founder Siddartha Gautama “Shakyamuni” Buddha (Buddha for short), this coming May 26, 27 and 28, 2023; and at the same time, begin a once-every-Sunday “Qi Gong” self-care practice and exercises for the mind, body and spirit on May 21, 2023, a Sunday and all succeeding Sundays from hereon.

No less than the General Assembly of United Nations (UN), in its 1999 Resolution, recognized the teachings of Buddha and his message of compassion, peace and goodwill, among others, that had moved millions for the past two and a half millennia thus the importance of celebrating his birthday as the day of deep reflection and application of Buddha’s virtues, dubbed by the UN as the “Day of Vesak”

Part of the commemoration at Yuan Thong Temple is the traditional bathing of the baby statue of the Buddha to signify the cleansing and purification of the body, speech and thoughts thus eradicating anger, greed and ignorance while cultivating merits and wisdom.

An altar surrounded by flowers, representing the Garden of Lumbini where Buddha was born, will be displayed on the three-day festive commemoration and a special ladle will be used to pour fragrant water to the infant Buddha’s shoulder, whose one hand points to heaven while another hand points to the ground, signifying the Honored One in heaven and earth who liberates all who suffer in the Three Realms.

Meantime, consistent with the essence of the bathing ritual, is the thousand age-long deep breathing gentle movements, moving meditation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but scientifically founded “Qi Gong” exercises that aids in the cultivation of body, mind and spirit.

According to the American-based National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being.

For a minimal contribution, the Qi Gong exercises will be facilitated by Martial Artist and Qi Gong Tutor Samuel Ko at the Yuan Thong Temple beginning May 21 and succeeding Sundays afterwards.* (Gil Alfredo B. Severino)